Regional Work Wise campaigners have responded to the Prime Minister's announcement of the extension of the flexible working for parents of older children.  This announcement coincides with National Work Wise Week (15th to 21st May), an initiative to promote the wider adoption of smarter working practices, which includes flexible working.

The Government's commitment to flexible working as outlined by the Prime Minister yesterday has been given a cautious welcome by Work Wise North East, the regional campaign to promote smarter working practices.  Whilst, regional Work Wise campaigners are pleased that the Government is taking the flexible working agenda seriously, they do not all view legislation as being the best way to encourage the wider adoption of flexible working practices.

Simon Roberson, chairman of Work Wise North East and regional manager of BT said:  "I would urge employers to go beyond minimum statutory requirements. If they just comply with the law they are not gaining the benefits for their business that come from widespread adoption of smarter working such as cost savings, productivity improvements and attracting talented staff. 

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce and Work Wise partner said "Ultimately, it is in businesses' interests to allow flexible working where possible as it will increase morale, which will aid productivity and help attract and retain employees.

"However, the Government must be mindful of the fact that it is much easier for a large, service sector business to accommodate flexible working than it is for a small business. The right to request flexible working is different from the right to receive flexible working, and it is important a sensible balance is struck."

Tony Sarginson, regional manager of EEF Northern said: "Whilst we welcome that flexible working is on the Government's radar, we don't think more regulation is necessarily the answer as businesses already suffers from the burden of red tape. 

"Also, legislation needs to recognise the different needs of employers as flexible working does not fit suit every employer or every situation.  There is no one size fits all scenario particularly in the manufacturing sector.  EEF as a work Wise partner fully supports the drive to smarter working but would support a more consensual approach between the employer and employee to drive this agenda forward"

Simon Roberson added: "If this makes people look at the positive benefits to be gained from flexible working then this can be a good thing.  However, the biggest benefits both for employers and society will be achieved by the widest possible use of smarter working.  The danger is by restricting it to specific groups, that employers will only focus on complying with legislation and not see the wider benefits"

Phil Flaxton, chief executive of Work Wise UK, a UK-wide not-for-profit initiative to promote smarter working practices, including flexible working said: "Small businesses do not need to worry about the Government's plans to extend the flexible working legislation as help is at hand. Businesses do have to take a practical systematic approach, devising a plan for the implementation of flexible working in the organisation. Work Wise UK has developed various free online resources to assist organisations wishing to implement smarter working practices.

"Some SMEs will simply stick their heads in the sand and hope it will all go away: it will not. They need to be made aware of the potential benefits of flexible working, and other smarter working practices, not only to their staff, but also to their company.

"Smarter working has been shown time and again to increase staff productivity and reduce costs, as well as improving staff wellbeing and providing a better work-life balance. BT has been pioneering the concept of smarter working for over a decade and has seen productivity improvements of 20 per cent" added Phil

Work Wise UK can provide guidance and assistance through its website (www.workwiseuk.org) where a guide to smarter working and an adoption ladder are available. The organisation also has a UK-wide network of advisers, and offers a framework for organisations to work to, culminating in the award of the Work Wise UK Mark of Excellence.

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Notes to Editors

For media enquiries contact: Sheila Chapman, Sheila Chapman PR on 07732 827 486 email scpr@btopenworld.com
Further information about Work Wise UK can be found on the website www.workwiseuk.org. 

Work Wise North East has attracted wide-ranging support from leading organisations in the region.  Strategic partners include the TUC, One NorthEast, Government Office, North East Chamber of Commerce, Onyx Group, EEF Northern, Workplace Travel Planning Company, Dickinson Dees, BT, RBLI and Equality North East, Association of North East Councils, Nexus and Equality North East